一様(いちよう)

いちよう
na-adjective, noun
uniform, alike, the same
formalwrittendescriptive
1. uniform, alike, the same
Having the same form, manner, or degree throughout. Describes a situation where there is no variation among multiple elements.
一様(いちよう)に並(なら)んでいる。
They are lined up uniformly.
The participants were all equally surprised.
The results were not uniform; there were differences by region.

一様(いちよう) describes uniformity or sameness across multiple items or people. It is commonly used as an adverb (一様(いちよう)に) or as a na-adjective (一様(いちよう)な).

Forms

一(いち) (one) + 様(よう) (manner, appearance) = one manner/uniform

Common patterns

  • 一様(いちよう)に: uniformly, equally
  • 一様(いちよう)な: uniform, alike
  • 一様(いちよう)ではない: not uniform, varied

Usage

This word appears more often in written or formal contexts. In everyday speech, みんな同(おな)じ (all the same) is more natural.